What does spring mean?
Spring is a versatile English word best known for the season between winter and summer, when days lengthen and natural growth becomes more visible. It can also name a coiled mechanical device, such as the spring in a pen or a door hinge, and, less commonly, a natural source of flowing water. As a verb, spring describes sudden movement, especially leaping, emerging, or coming into life. Its figurative uses include phrases such as “spring into action,” in which people or events begin with sudden energy, and “spring up,” meaning to appear or develop rapidly. The word carries strong associations with renewal, youth, and seasonal change, while its mechanical and historical senses preserve an older idea of forceful movement or emergence. Together, these meanings make spring a particularly evocative word: it can describe both nature’s recurring cycle of growth and the sudden appearance of something new.
The season occurring between winter and summer; a flexible coiled device; or a natural source of flowing water.
"The first spring flowers appeared along the riverbank."
The senses for a mechanical coil and a natural water source are less common than the seasonal meaning.
To leap or move suddenly; to develop or emerge rapidly; or to become active or vigorous.
"The idea sprang to mind during the conversation."
Common in figurative constructions such as “spring into action,” “spring to life,” and “spring up.”
Used for multiple seasons, mechanical devices, or natural water sources.
"Several springs rise from the rocky hillside."
Spring means both a season of renewal and the coiled device that helps objects bounce back into motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spring come from?
The word comes from Old English springan, meaning “to leap” or “spring,” and related forms referring to a natural water source and a season associated with growth. Its noun meanings developed through the older Germanic language family; German springen, “to leap or spring,” is a cognate, and English sprint is historically related. The seasonal sense developed from the idea of vegetation rising or coming into life after winter.
Related word forms
How spring is actually used
In its seasonal sense, spring is standard in British and American English. The verb is often transitive or used with a directional or figurative complement, as in “spring into action,” “spring to life,” or “spring up.” In the sense of a natural water source, it is more formal and less common in everyday speech.
Easily confused with spring
A spring is a season, a coil, or a natural water source, whereas a sprout is a young plant shoot or something beginning to grow.
To spring is to move suddenly or energetically, while to leap generally emphasizes jumping or rising through the air.